Sapphire Egemasi, a 28-year-old Nigerian software developer, has been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with a sophisticated internet fraud and money laundering operation that targeted U.S. city governments. Egemasi, once known for her extravagant lifestyle and global travel, is now facing charges that could land her up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Authorities allege that Egemasi was a key player in a cybercrime syndicate, led by Ghanaian national Samuel Kwadwo Osei, which used phishing attacks and spoofed websites to steal millions from American government institutions between September 2021 and February 2023. Prosecutors claim she personally developed fraudulent websites that mimicked official U.S. government portals, tricking municipal employees into handing over login credentials.
Investigators say the syndicate successfully diverted large sums of money, including $965,000 from Kentucky’s government and $330,000 from another U.S. municipal account. The stolen funds were funneled through wire transfers across multiple banks, masked as legitimate disbursements.
Egemasi allegedly faked her professional background, claiming to have interned at British Petroleum, H&M, and Zara, which prosecutors say are unsupported by employment records. Her lavish social media presence, featuring luxury brands and international vacations, was reportedly funded by proceeds from the fraud.
She and her co-conspirators are awaiting trial in Lexington, Kentucky, as U.S. federal agencies crack down on transnational cybercrime. More individuals connected to the case may face charges as the investigation continues.
